09th June, 2026
Ko mātou tēnei | Who we are
The Commerce Commission | Te Komihana Tauhokohoko is New Zealand’s competition, fair trading, consumer credit and economic regulatory agency. Our vision is that New Zealanders are better off because markets work well and consumers and businesses are confident market participants.
We operate at the centre of New Zealand’s regulatory system, with increasing impact across competition, consumer protection and economic regulation. As an independent Crown entity, our role is critical to ensuring markets deliver for New Zealanders.
Mō te tūranga | About the role
This is one of the most significant legal leadership roles in New Zealand, with national visibility and influence.
As General Counsel, you will lead the Commission’s Legal Services function and sit at the senior leadership table as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team. Working closely with the Chair, Commissioners and Chief Executive, you will represent and shape the Commission’s legal strategy, providing trusted advice at the highest level of decision-making.
This is a rare opportunity to combine deep subject-matter expertise in competition law with enterprise leadership. You will influence how the law is interpreted, tested and developed in New Zealand, taking a leading role in complex, high-profile matters that define market conduct and regulatory boundaries.
You will be accountable for the delivery of legal services across the Commission, including litigation strategy, regulatory advice, and corporate and governance support. The role brings oversight of a large, highly capable in-house legal team and significant external counsel relationships.
Key elements of the role include:
- Acting as the Commission’s most senior legal advisor, shaping and articulating legal strategy
- Leading competition and regulatory litigation of national significance
- Bringing a clear, strategic lens to legal risk, including where testing the law will deliver long-term public benefit
- Providing strategic advice to the Board, Chief Executive and Commissioners
- Contributing as an enterprise leader, influencing organisational strategy and performance beyond the legal function
This role offers unparalleled exposure across all aspects of New Zealand’s regulatory landscape – from competition enforcement to market studies, economic regulation and law reform – and carries a level of public standing rarely seen in in-house roles.
He kōrero mōu | About you You will be an outstanding legal leader and recognised expert, with deep technical credibility in competition law and its application in complex, high-stakes environments.
We are looking for:
- A highly regarded senior lawyer with deep expertise in competition law, supported by significant experience in regulatory, litigation or public law
- Proven experience operating at executive level, including advising Boards and senior decision-makers
- The intellectual depth and judgement to lead complex competition matters and shape legal precedent
- A track record of leading high-performing legal teams and delivering strategic outcomes
- The ability to take principled, well-reasoned positions – including where this may test or clarify the law
- Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence at the highest levels of government, business and the legal profession
- A current New Zealand practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one)
Te wāhi mahi | Working here You will be part of an organisation that plays a critical role in New Zealand’s economy and society. This is a unique opportunity to:
- Operate at the forefront of competition law and regulatory development
- Hold a position of public standing as a leading legal voice in New Zealand’s competition framework
- Sit at the leadership table and contribute to enterprise-wide decision-making
- Influence outcomes that affect all New Zealanders
- Work alongside leading experts in law, economics and regulation
- Contribute to a purpose-driven organisation with a strong public mandate
Our environment is collaborative, inclusive and intellectually stimulating – and our work has real impact.
Ka pēhea te tono mai | How to apply If you are ready to take on a defining legal leadership role, please submit your cover letter and CV by the closing date of
Monday, 6 July 2026.
For a confidential discussion, contact:
Carl Church – carl.church@nicherecruitment.co.nz
Moana Temel – moana.temel@nicherecruitment.co.nz
The Commerce Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and the contribution every one of our people makes to our culture – you can be yourself here.
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